A Prince's Love - Troy Fic - Part 2
Two more chapters
Chapter 4.
The night was starry and the full moon shone high in the sky, casting a silvery light on the beach and on Mircea as she sat there alone, her eyes lost in the dark expanse of the sea in front of her. The waves had enough strength to reach her spot, the white foam lapping at her bare feet as she waited for Paris. They had not seen each other that day, but she was sure he would come.
Mircea smiled as her toes sunk in the sand. Thera had been delighted when she told him of Ulysses’ present, lecturing Mircea on what a good young man he was and that she would always be happy and safe with him, but Mircea couldn’t imagine that. She appreciated Ulysses, she usually had a good time enjoying of his conversation, but he didn’t stir any other feelings in her. One of the other servants had got married not too long ago and she always told Mircea about the love, the happiness, the passion she felt with her husband and what Mircea felt with Ulysses was nothing like that.
Suddenly, the low thud of a horse galloping in the sand made her snap back to reality. Turning around, Mircea saw Paris on his horse coming her way and her heart did a little jump in her chest at how regal and handsome he looked. The soft breeze played with his dark curls and his brown eyes were fixed on her with a serious look. Mircea stood up and Paris led his horse to stand beside her, staring down at her as he offered her his hand. Mircea eyed him confusedly.
“Come with me.” Paris said lowly, confusing her even more. “There is something I want to show you.”
Mircea was still a bit lost due to his actions and his seriousness, but still, she reached down for her sandals and then took Paris’ hand, marvelling at his strength when he pulled her up the horse with one swift tug. With a scared shiver, Mircea slid her arms around his waist and clung tightly to him as he ordered the horse to gallop southwards along the shoreline.
They rode in complete silence for about ten minutes, leaving all traces of civilisation behind. Mircea was eager to ask Paris where was he taking her but something told her that he needed the silence, so she just allowed her hands to softly stroke his stomach to let him know that she was there if he needed her.
Paris gripped the reins tighter when he felt Mircea’s small hands caressing him, his mind set in ignoring what she was doing so his body didn’t react to it. Still, he couldn’t ignore her warmth pressed against his back through their thin garments. Her breasts pushed against his skin and Paris could perfectly make out the roundness of them, as well as the softness of the skin of her inner thighs tightly pressed against his own.
Paris bit his lip to silence the growl that threatened to escape from his lips. He had always seen Mircea as a little sister, someone who had gone through the same grief he had, but all it took was to see other man turning his attention to her to realise that he had been attracted to Mircea for a long time. Paris couldn’t say it had happened the first time he saw her, but soon Mircea managed to find a way through to his heart and now he was unable to think of anything else but her.
Paris mood lightened considerably when he saw the small, secluded bay just ahead of them. Tugging at the reins, he slowed the horse and led the animal through the thin line of sand that was the only way into the bay. The horse only stopped when they reached the shore, allowing Paris to jump down and then, putting his hands around Mircea’s waist, he helped her down.
“This place is beautiful, Paris.” Mircea stared in awe when she looked around.
The small beach had a triangular shape, two sides surrounded by high rock cliffs and the sea in the third one. The only way into the beach was the thin sand line and the sounds of the waves was the all they could hear.
Paris looked down at Mircea, a little smile playing on his lips at the awed expression of her face. Now that she had gained some much needed weight, her face was a bit rounder and as far as he could tell, her body had filled up nicely in all the right places.
“I am glad you like it.” Paris finally answered, his thumbs lightly brushing the beginning of her ribcage.
Mircea smiled up at him and then surprised the young prince by posing her hands on his shoulders. Standing on her tiptoes, Mircea kissed Paris’ cheek.
“Thank you.” She said lowly. Paris’ brown eyes held hers captive for a few endless seconds and it made her heart hammer against her ribs. Did he realise that his fingers stroked her skin softly? That it made her feel warm and tingly like never before?
“I have something else for you.” Paris added and Mircea gave him a puzzled look.
Paris smiled and then moved one of his hands from her waist, tugging at the small pouch tied at his hip. Mircea followed his movements with her eyes, a little surprised gasp escaping from her lips when he posed a beautiful necklace on her hand. Mircea stared at the golden necklace and its green tear-shaped pendant with wide eyes for a second before she looked up.
“You saw Ulysses...” Her voice trailed off as realisation dawned on her, her eyes big and shining with disbelief. Paris nodded.
“I realised that I had never given you anything that told you how much you mean to me.”
Mircea felt a lump in her throat at his words. If she meant to him as half as he did to her, then she could perfectly understand the intense look in his eyes. Yet, the necklace was too beautiful, too luxurious for a servant. Looking up at him, Mircea murmured.
“It is beautiful, but I am afraid I can not accept it. It is too much for me.”
Paris stared at her in disbelief. What was she trying to say? Suddenly mad at her, Paris snapped.
“You can accept Ulysses’ gift, but not mine? Is that what you are trying to tell me?” The prince asked angrily, stepping away from her.
“Paris...” Mircea began to say, but he cut her off mid-sentence, staring at her from a distance.
“No!” Paris exclaimed. Then, walking back to Mircea, he gripped her shoulders in his big hands and pulled her closer. “Can you not see? You are not just my friend, you are much more than that! You are the air that I breathe, the water that quenches my thirst... I love you!”
Mircea couldn’t find the words to answer such a statement. Paris loved her? How was it possible that the prince had strong feelings for her? The revelation awoke similar feelings in her, making her heart beat faster and her hand swirl. How many times had Mircea thought of a future together with Paris? At least as many times as she had told herself that the young prince would never fall in love with her.
Still, in spite of that, Mircea forced herself to keep her feet on the ground before her dreams got ht best of her. Taking a deep breath, she looked into Paris’ bottomless brown eyes and said.
“But you are a prince... And I am a servant-“
“Oh, please!” Paris interrupted her and then taking her by surprise, he captured Mircea’s lips in a long, searing kiss.
Mircea’s eyes grew wide when she felt Paris’ lips on hers. She didn’t know what to do at first but then, as Paris turned the kiss into something softer, Mircea felt warmth spreading throughout her body as Paris’ mouth conquered hers, making her toes curl in the sand.
As Mircea sighed against his skin, Paris changed his tactic. His lips caressed hers, groaning lowly at the softness of them. His strong hands left her shoulders and moving down her back to pose themselves on her waist once again, only that this time, instead of just leaving them there, he pulled her warm body closer to his.
Mircea gasped when she felt his hard and strong body against hers and Paris took advantage of that to gently slip his tongue between her slightly parted lips. Mircea would have wanted to open her eyes in surprise, but the feelings Paris brought to life in her body were far too pleasant for her to interrupt them; she only moved her hands until her fingers tangled with his hair.
Paris knew that he was practically on his way to seduce an innocent girl to happen to be not only his best friend, but also the woman who held his heart in her hands. As his lips left hers and moved down to her neck, Paris hands moved to Mircea’s shoulders and slowly, very slowly, he removed the clips that kept the upper part of her flimsy dress together. Only when he felt the fabric clinging loosely around the simple belt Mircea wore did Paris dare to pull back, just enough to catch a glimpse of the flesh he had just revealed.
The cool breeze blowing over her heated skin brought Mircea back to reality. When she opened her eyes, the sight before her made her shiver with an unknown feeling that rippled through her entire body and coiled in her lower tummy.
Paris’ eyes were fixed on her with a fire she had never seen in them. Mircea looked down at herself and a little cry left her lips when she saw that her breasts were bare to his eyes. She tried to cover them, but Paris grabbed her hands before she could do so and took them to his lips, kissing her knuckles. Gently prying her fingers open, Paris removed the necklace from her grip and swiftly slid it over her head, the thin golden chain surrounding the back of her neck and dipping between her breasts where the green pendant rested.
Paris smiled and placing a quick kiss on Mircea’s lips, he moved his fingers from the back of her neck and down her shoulders to finally pose them on her breasts, cupping those full mounds in his hands with a delighted moan. Mircea threw her head back, not knowing how to deal with the rampant feelings within her young body.
“Oh, Paris...” She moaned when he hid his face in the curve of her neck, gently nipping at the sensitive skin there.
“You are so beautiful.” Paris murmured as his hands kneaded her breasts, his long and nimble fingers playing with her hardening nipples. “And you are mine.”
Mircea couldn’t answer, for before she could open her mouth Paris’ lips covered hers in an intense kiss. Instinctively, Mircea’s hands looked for something to hold on to, finding balance in his dark curls. Her fingers slipped between his hair easily, allowing her to run her fingernails softly over his scalp. It caused a deep, long moan in Paris before he moved his lips to her neck, softly nibbling at the skin there.
“Touch me...” Paris ordered gently and Mircea obeyed, her hands leaving his brown hair and moving down his strong shoulders to his muscular chest.
Her hands were shy and sometimes clumsy in their journey, but they had the same effect on Paris the touch of the most experienced lover would. Her very innocence proved to be his undoing when her curious fingers moved below his waist and stumbled with the hardened proof of his arousal, causing her to gasp in his ear before Mircea moved her hand away startled.
“Paris!” Mircea exclaimed, her surprise evident in her tone. The prince took her face in her hands and looked into her hazel eyes before murmuring.
“I want to see you.”
Mircea didn’t understand the full meaning of his words until Paris stepped back just enough to look down at her. Blushing, Mircea tried to cover her naked breasts -now feeling heavy and swollen- with her hands, but Paris delicately grabbed her wrists and made her rest her hands at her sides once again.
Mircea took a deep breath trying to calm her erratic heart. Paris’ eyes never left her, moving from her face to her chest, making her breasts tingle in anticipation. She gasped in surprise when his hands slid around her waist to pull her close to him, but it was nothing compared to the bolt of electricity Mircea felt when Paris took one hard, red nipple in his mouth. Mircea’s eyes went wide at the hotness of him around the sensitive tip, but soon her lids dropped again by the pleasant feeling of his tongue swirling and lapping.
Paris showed both breasts the same attention and devotion, sending continuous jolts of pleasure down her body, pooling in her lower belly with an ache Mircea didn’t know how to fight. She couldn’t utter a single word when Paris’ nimble fingers untied her belt and her simple gown pooled at her feet, exposing her young body to his greedy eyes.
Paris swallowed hard when his eyes first rested on Mircea’s naked body, his own reacting with an intensity unknown to him up to that night. She was a vision of soft curves and enticing slopes all over; full breasts standing proud with tense, reddened nipples, a small waist he could almost circle with his hands and gently flared hips that gave way to long legs. Paris groaned at the sight. Pulling Mircea closer, he kissed her before he made her lay back on the sand.
Mircea looked up and saw Paris as he kneeled beside her, her body tingling there where his hands had touched her masterly. It was a hard task, but she kept her eyes fixed on him as he removed his clothing, studying curiously the flesh slowly unveiled to her.
Mircea was curious; she had never seen a naked man’s body before and what appeared before her eyes rendered her speechless. Hard muscles all over, broad shoulders that narrowed into thin hips, followed by strong thighs were enough to leave her breathless. Yet, it was what stood proudly between those thighs what intrigued her the most.
Paris growled lowly when Mircea’s wide and innocent hazel eyes rested on his manhood. With her eyes only, she had managed to make him grow harder... What would happen if she touched him?
Suddenly curious, Paris said under his breath.
“Touch me.”
Mircea looked up at him with a questioning look, but she still rose her hand, unsure as to what to do until Paris took it in his and then guided it to his body, grunting loudly when her fingers encircled him and gently squeezed him. Taking a deep breath, Paris led her movements until she found her own rhythm.
Mircea was curious and prone to experimenting and although he couldn’t say he disliked it, Paris had to pry her fingers open and lay beside her to regain some control of himself.
“You are so beautiful.” Paris murmured as his hand traced her body.
Mircea couldn’t answer. Her body was busy assimilating what Paris’ hand made her feel as it roamed her skin, but it was nothing compared to the moment when he gently parted her thighs, his fingers slipping between them.
Mircea’s pleased cry resounded in the small beach, echoing against the rock walls when Paris found her centre, stroking her flesh with expert fingers until he had her screaming his name, her body convulsing as he sent her over to paradise.
Mircea didn’t know how long it took her to regain her breath but when she finally did, she opened her eyes to find Paris above her, his eyes glowing with the certainty of a man who knows he has pleased a woman greatly. Mircea smiled lazily before a little gasp escaped from her lips when his hand found her sensitive core, stroking to embers into a burning desire once again.
“Oh, Paris...” Mircea murmured, noting vaguely that all coherency had left her as soon as the prince had kissed her.
“I need you, Mircea.” Paris said as he kissed her neck, his voice strained with desire. “I need you now.”
Mircea didn’t know what Paris needed so much, but she would never deny him anything. Offering him her mouth, she allowed Paris to part her thighs wider and lay between them, his hardness rubbing against her. Both moaned at the feeling, but Mircea tensed when she felt Paris prodding at her.
“Paris, what...” Mircea began to say with fear tinting her voice, but he took her face in his hands and kissed her until he felt her relax beneath him.
Then, Paris inched within her until he felt the barrier of her maidenhood. Deepening the kiss, Paris took her hands in his and gripping them tightly, he thrust forward. Mircea cried out in pain, but her scream was silenced by Paris’ mouth. She knew what was it that he had slid deeply inside of her and it made her writhe in pain, wondering why Paris would hurt her so.
But then, as he kissed her slowly, Mircea felt the pain ease away, replaced by a great need that burned in the pit of her stomach. Softly, almost shyly, Mircea pushed her hips against Paris’ and a low cry left their mouths at the feeling of him sliding into her a bit more.
Paris grunted, his body on fire. He hadn’t been sure whether he had hurt Mircea, but the moment she pushed against him it nearly made him trip over the edge. Leaving her mouth, Paris grasped Mircea’s hips and began a slow dance, moving in and out of her with torturing slowness. The softness around him was intoxicating, and the little cries and moans coming from Mircea’s lips only served to fuel him further.
Mircea gripped Paris’ shoulders, her nails lightly biting at the skin there. Her whole body tingled and all she could do was to cling to her lover’s body, hoping she wouldn’t drown in the spin of passion Paris caused in her. It was hard, for every time he thrust against her, not only did his hard member slid into her a bit more, but his hips hit her in that sensitive spot Paris had discovered earlier making her gasp for breath.
Suddenly, Mircea felt tension pooling in her loins and she could swear she would explode. Burying her nails in the prince’s skin, Mircea moaned.
“Paris... I need...” What did she need? Mircea only knew she would go crazy if he didn’t do something about it.
“I know, my love.” Paris answered, his need for release as intense as hers.
Moving his hands to her thighs, Paris lifted them and instinctively Mircea slid her legs around his waist, causing both to cry out when he entered in her completely.
Paris’ pace quickened, making Mircea cry out his name. He suddenly felt her tightening around him and he looked down at her, his brown eyes filled with passion and love. He wanted to see her as pleasure overtook her and Mircea didn’t disappoint him.
Mircea felt her body growing rigid and her eyes bolted open, looking for Paris’ in the dark, a questioning look in them. Yet, before she could speak, a great wave of pleasure washed over her and a loud cry left her lips as she desperately clung to Paris, this time sinking willingly in that abyss of sensations. In the pinnacle of her situations, Mircea felt Paris thrust into her on last time, a low growl leaving his throat before he hid his face in her neck.
Mircea didn’t know how long she and Paris lay there trying to calm their thundering hearts, but when she finally opened her eyes, Mircea saw the stars shining bright in the night sky, not a cloud breaking the harmony in that perfect sight. It felt as if the Gods above winked at them, giving her and her prince their approval.
As if sensing her emotions, Paris rose his head and resting his weight on his elbows, he looked down at the beautiful young woman beneath him with an adoring look.
“I love you, Mircea.” He murmured, his voice suddenly hoarse with emotion.
Brushing some rebel brown curls off of his forehead, Mircea smiled with love shining in her eyes.
“I love you too, Paris.” She said softly.
Paris felt his heart swell with her words. Kissing her lazily, he flipped them over until he lay on his back, her head resting on his shoulder. Taking her hand in his, Paris snuggled her closer, not wanting that night to end.
Chapter 5.
Mircea smiled dreamily, the dough she was preparing forgotten beneath her hands. If any of the other servants noticed the far away look in her eyes, they kept their mouths shut, but Mircea cared little about them. Her mind was miles away, thinking of the prince that now trained with his bow in the palace is courtyard.
A tingle ran up and down her body at the memory of the many nights they had shared in their secluded little bay, alone and away from everything. In that secret beach and under the light of the stars, they were no Prince or servant, they were just Paris and Mircea.
It was during those nights that they loved each other to no end, then playing in the sea as Paris taught Mircea how to swim. The lessons often ended up in nothing because Mircea wasn’t the most dedicated of students and Paris, even with his best intentions, got distracted from his lecturer duties when her soft body brushed against his.
They would spend long hours in their secret spot, sometimes lost in passion and other times just holding each other as they voiced their dreams, hopes and fears. That’s how Mircea had learned that Paris wished to see the shepherd that had raised him more than anything in the world and it touched her heart. Mircea knew that Paris had everything he could wish for, but he had never forgiven his family for leaving him to face destiny when he was no more than a baby, showing her that being rich and powerful didn’t mean to be happy. Even in their poverty, she and her father had known love and she wanted to give that to Paris.
“Mircea! Stop daydreaming, child... And get back to work!”
Mircea snapped back to reality when she heard Thera’s commanding voice. Nodding, she began to work on the dough again, unaware that Thera’s eyes were intent on her.
It had been hard to keep her feelings hidden from the older woman’s eyes, but it had been harder to skip out of the palace almost every night to meet Paris. Mircea had the feeling that Thera sensed something, especially since she kept trying to convince her to spend more time with Ulysses. Mircea grinned inwardly at the thought; since that first night at the beach with Paris, poor Ulysses had been nothing but a shadow in her mind.
Thera studied Mircea from a distance. She had certainly changed since arriving to the palace, but there had certainly been a breaking point about three months ago. Once or twice in that time had Thera gone to Mircea in the night only to find her gone, the other servants telling the older woman that the girl was out for a walk and it puzzled look. A thought kept nagging her, but Thera confined it to the back of her mind.
Staring at Mircea, Thera noticed some slight changes in her. The girl’s cheeks seemed fuller and brighter and her body seemed to have filled in some places like her chest and hips, but apart from that, Mircea looked just the same.
As she studied her, Thera saw Mircea take a hand to her eyes and rub them. Thera thought she might be sleepy, after all it was still very early, but when Mircea swayed precariously on her feet, Thera moved forward and quickly closed the gap between them just in time to catch her before she hit the floor.
“Demetrius!” Thera called out as she knelt with Mircea in her arms, a tall, strong man turning around at the sound of her voice. “Help me take her to Noor!”
Demetrius didn’t ask. He just moved his big body to where Thera was and gently took an unconscious Mircea in his arms.
~*~
Paris stood at the courtyard, bow in hand and a deadly arrow aimed at the crude form of a man filled with straw. It was early and the sun was just beginning to rise, but he hadn’t been able to go back to sleep when he woke up an hour ago. Taking his bow, Paris had made a quick stop at the kitchen with the excuse of taking some bread and cheese to the training field with him, but what he really wanted to see Mircea. She had only been able to give him a discreet smile, but that was enough to keep him up until he could see her that night.
Firing his arrow, it hit the centre of his target. Paris was about to retreat a new one from his quiver when he heard voices coming from behind.
Turning on his heels with a curious look, Paris saw Demetrius -the big slave that helped Thera with the heavier duties- carrying someone in his arms. At the sight of the long brown hair cascading over the man’s arm, Paris felt fear biting his heart, but it was only when Demetrius came closer that his fears were confirmed. It was Mircea.
Dropping his bow, Paris ran to Demetrius.
“What happened to her?” Paris asked, trying not to be obvious as to why he was so concerned about the young servant.
“She fainted, milord.” Thera answered worriedly. “We do not know why.”
Paris looked down at Mircea and his heart skipped a beat. Mircea was pale... very pale. Stepping between Demetrius and a curious servant, Paris took Mircea in his arms and swiftly walked to the small cabin in the opposite side of the courtyard. Noor would know what to do to heal Mircea.
Thera stood frozen in her spot, a surprised look in her eyes at the sight of the young prince carrying Mircea to the healer’s cabin. A suspicion gnawed at her insides, but she kept her thoughts to herself as she shooed the curious crowd back into the kitchen, not without giving the prince a quick look over her shoulder first.
~*~
Paris walked around the small cabin like a caged animal. Noor, the elderly healer, had literally pushed him out of her house, telling him that his nervousness was good for nothing. Now, as she checked on Mircea, Paris couldn’t help but torture himself with all the possibilities of what could be wrong with his love.
In spite of all that, he trusted Noor. She was a wise healer from the western lands that had saved many men’s lives; if she could save a badly wounded warrior’s life, she could certainly help Mircea!
Inside the cabin, Noor gave Mircea a knowing look as the young woman lay on the bed, soft animal furs beneath her. She had seen this countless times before and it was nothing out of the ordinary.
In the bed, Mircea groaned when she opened her eyes and the world swirled around her. She had never fainted in her life and it scared her. Looking up, she murmured.
“What is wrong with me? Am I dying?”
Noor chuckled at her question.
“My innocent child...” She murmured, brushing Mircea’s hair back. “You are not dying, not anytime soon.”
“Then what is it?” Mircea asked again. She was relieved that she was not going to pass away, but she was worried still.
Laboriously, Noor sat beside her, looking into Mircea’s eyes with her black ones.
“I will ask you something, but you have to tell me the truth.” Noor said and Mircea nodded. Taking a deep breath, the woman murmured. “Have you ever been with a man?”
It took a couple of seconds for the question to sink in and once it did, Mircea blushed furiously. Shyly, she nodded and Noor sighed.
“Do you remember when you last had your monthly period?”
Mircea blushed even redder, something she had never thought possible. Counting back in her head, she realised that the last time had been a couple of weeks before that night in the beach, three months ago. She hadn’t paid attention to its absence because it had happened before, especially during the roughest times when food had been more than scarce.
When she told Noor, the woman shook her head at her innocence. Taking Mircea’s hands in hers, Noor said lowly.
“You are with child, Mircea.”
Mircea’s eyes grew wide at her statement. She, with child? But she was not married! She thought it only happened to married women, how could that be possible?
“But... I am not married.” Mircea voiced her thoughts. Noor shook her head, briefly explaining her what the young girl was unaware of. Mircea remained silent for a while, letting the truth sink in.
“You better go tell the prince. He is out there waiting for you.” Noor whispered.
“How did you know...?” Mircea began to say and Noor smiled knowingly.
“He brought you here. The look of worry in his eyes was enough to tell me the truth.”
Mircea nodded, her mind still trying to assimilate the news as Noor gave her some useful advises for her pregnancy. Mircea sat there as Noor made some quick calculations, telling her that her baby would be born by the end of winter. Mircea nodded numbly, the world spinning around her. Noor noticed her confusion and took her face in her hands, looking into her eyes.
“Everything will be fine, child.” Noor whispered reassuringly. “You go tell the prince, I am sure he is mad with worry.”
Mircea nodded, standing up slowly and walking out of the cabin. She stepped out and saw Paris coming from one side, his eyes growing wide when he saw her. Rushing toward her, Paris took her in his arms, holding her tight.
“There you are!” Paris exclaimed in her ear, kissing her lips without caring who might see them. “I was so worried about you! Are you alright?”
Paris looked down at her and Mircea felt tears burning in her eyes. She loved him so much! What would he say when she told him what was wrong with her? Would he be happy?
“Mircea?” Paris murmured worriedly. “What did Noor say?”
Mircea cupped his cheek in her hand, trying to gather her courage to tell him the news. Taking a deep breath, Mircea whispered.
“I am with child. That is what Noor told me.”
“I thought it was serious, I was-“ Paris began to say but he cut himself mid-sentence when Mircea’s words filtered through to his brain. Her voice echoed in his mind, almost making him dizzy in its intensity. She was with child? Mircea carried his baby? The thought should make him deliriously happy, but instead, it send a wave of fear spiralling up and down his body.
Stiffening his body, Paris’ arms left her and he took a step back, running a nervous hand through his dark curls.
“With child?” Paris asked, his voice and eyed guarded.
Mircea felt one solitaire tear rolling down her cheek, her heart aching in her chest at his obvious rejection. Crossing her arms over her chest in a defensive way, Mircea spoke.
“So it would seem.” She murmured lowly, more tears falling from her eyes. “I did not know... Noor had to explain me...” Her voice trailed off and she took a hand to her mouth to silence her sobs. Giving his guarded brown eyes a long look, Mircea failed to hide a low whimper and then ran away.
“Mircea!” Paris called out, but Mircea didn’t stop. She ran into the palace and she went out of his sight.
Paris ran his hands over his face, the weight of what he had done falling on his shoulders. Mircea was pregnant and it was entirely his fault. She was an innocent; little more than a virgin he had corrupted to this point. Paris loved her with all his heart and he wished nothing more than to be with her all the time, but these were certainly unexpected news. His first impulse was to assure Mircea that everything would be fine, that he would be there for her, but Paris still had to stop and think the situation over.
Looking at the rising sun, Paris asked the Gods for help to solve this problem and walked back into the palace, trouble clouding his mind.
Chapter 4.
The night was starry and the full moon shone high in the sky, casting a silvery light on the beach and on Mircea as she sat there alone, her eyes lost in the dark expanse of the sea in front of her. The waves had enough strength to reach her spot, the white foam lapping at her bare feet as she waited for Paris. They had not seen each other that day, but she was sure he would come.
Mircea smiled as her toes sunk in the sand. Thera had been delighted when she told him of Ulysses’ present, lecturing Mircea on what a good young man he was and that she would always be happy and safe with him, but Mircea couldn’t imagine that. She appreciated Ulysses, she usually had a good time enjoying of his conversation, but he didn’t stir any other feelings in her. One of the other servants had got married not too long ago and she always told Mircea about the love, the happiness, the passion she felt with her husband and what Mircea felt with Ulysses was nothing like that.
Suddenly, the low thud of a horse galloping in the sand made her snap back to reality. Turning around, Mircea saw Paris on his horse coming her way and her heart did a little jump in her chest at how regal and handsome he looked. The soft breeze played with his dark curls and his brown eyes were fixed on her with a serious look. Mircea stood up and Paris led his horse to stand beside her, staring down at her as he offered her his hand. Mircea eyed him confusedly.
“Come with me.” Paris said lowly, confusing her even more. “There is something I want to show you.”
Mircea was still a bit lost due to his actions and his seriousness, but still, she reached down for her sandals and then took Paris’ hand, marvelling at his strength when he pulled her up the horse with one swift tug. With a scared shiver, Mircea slid her arms around his waist and clung tightly to him as he ordered the horse to gallop southwards along the shoreline.
They rode in complete silence for about ten minutes, leaving all traces of civilisation behind. Mircea was eager to ask Paris where was he taking her but something told her that he needed the silence, so she just allowed her hands to softly stroke his stomach to let him know that she was there if he needed her.
Paris gripped the reins tighter when he felt Mircea’s small hands caressing him, his mind set in ignoring what she was doing so his body didn’t react to it. Still, he couldn’t ignore her warmth pressed against his back through their thin garments. Her breasts pushed against his skin and Paris could perfectly make out the roundness of them, as well as the softness of the skin of her inner thighs tightly pressed against his own.
Paris bit his lip to silence the growl that threatened to escape from his lips. He had always seen Mircea as a little sister, someone who had gone through the same grief he had, but all it took was to see other man turning his attention to her to realise that he had been attracted to Mircea for a long time. Paris couldn’t say it had happened the first time he saw her, but soon Mircea managed to find a way through to his heart and now he was unable to think of anything else but her.
Paris mood lightened considerably when he saw the small, secluded bay just ahead of them. Tugging at the reins, he slowed the horse and led the animal through the thin line of sand that was the only way into the bay. The horse only stopped when they reached the shore, allowing Paris to jump down and then, putting his hands around Mircea’s waist, he helped her down.
“This place is beautiful, Paris.” Mircea stared in awe when she looked around.
The small beach had a triangular shape, two sides surrounded by high rock cliffs and the sea in the third one. The only way into the beach was the thin sand line and the sounds of the waves was the all they could hear.
Paris looked down at Mircea, a little smile playing on his lips at the awed expression of her face. Now that she had gained some much needed weight, her face was a bit rounder and as far as he could tell, her body had filled up nicely in all the right places.
“I am glad you like it.” Paris finally answered, his thumbs lightly brushing the beginning of her ribcage.
Mircea smiled up at him and then surprised the young prince by posing her hands on his shoulders. Standing on her tiptoes, Mircea kissed Paris’ cheek.
“Thank you.” She said lowly. Paris’ brown eyes held hers captive for a few endless seconds and it made her heart hammer against her ribs. Did he realise that his fingers stroked her skin softly? That it made her feel warm and tingly like never before?
“I have something else for you.” Paris added and Mircea gave him a puzzled look.
Paris smiled and then moved one of his hands from her waist, tugging at the small pouch tied at his hip. Mircea followed his movements with her eyes, a little surprised gasp escaping from her lips when he posed a beautiful necklace on her hand. Mircea stared at the golden necklace and its green tear-shaped pendant with wide eyes for a second before she looked up.
“You saw Ulysses...” Her voice trailed off as realisation dawned on her, her eyes big and shining with disbelief. Paris nodded.
“I realised that I had never given you anything that told you how much you mean to me.”
Mircea felt a lump in her throat at his words. If she meant to him as half as he did to her, then she could perfectly understand the intense look in his eyes. Yet, the necklace was too beautiful, too luxurious for a servant. Looking up at him, Mircea murmured.
“It is beautiful, but I am afraid I can not accept it. It is too much for me.”
Paris stared at her in disbelief. What was she trying to say? Suddenly mad at her, Paris snapped.
“You can accept Ulysses’ gift, but not mine? Is that what you are trying to tell me?” The prince asked angrily, stepping away from her.
“Paris...” Mircea began to say, but he cut her off mid-sentence, staring at her from a distance.
“No!” Paris exclaimed. Then, walking back to Mircea, he gripped her shoulders in his big hands and pulled her closer. “Can you not see? You are not just my friend, you are much more than that! You are the air that I breathe, the water that quenches my thirst... I love you!”
Mircea couldn’t find the words to answer such a statement. Paris loved her? How was it possible that the prince had strong feelings for her? The revelation awoke similar feelings in her, making her heart beat faster and her hand swirl. How many times had Mircea thought of a future together with Paris? At least as many times as she had told herself that the young prince would never fall in love with her.
Still, in spite of that, Mircea forced herself to keep her feet on the ground before her dreams got ht best of her. Taking a deep breath, she looked into Paris’ bottomless brown eyes and said.
“But you are a prince... And I am a servant-“
“Oh, please!” Paris interrupted her and then taking her by surprise, he captured Mircea’s lips in a long, searing kiss.
Mircea’s eyes grew wide when she felt Paris’ lips on hers. She didn’t know what to do at first but then, as Paris turned the kiss into something softer, Mircea felt warmth spreading throughout her body as Paris’ mouth conquered hers, making her toes curl in the sand.
As Mircea sighed against his skin, Paris changed his tactic. His lips caressed hers, groaning lowly at the softness of them. His strong hands left her shoulders and moving down her back to pose themselves on her waist once again, only that this time, instead of just leaving them there, he pulled her warm body closer to his.
Mircea gasped when she felt his hard and strong body against hers and Paris took advantage of that to gently slip his tongue between her slightly parted lips. Mircea would have wanted to open her eyes in surprise, but the feelings Paris brought to life in her body were far too pleasant for her to interrupt them; she only moved her hands until her fingers tangled with his hair.
Paris knew that he was practically on his way to seduce an innocent girl to happen to be not only his best friend, but also the woman who held his heart in her hands. As his lips left hers and moved down to her neck, Paris hands moved to Mircea’s shoulders and slowly, very slowly, he removed the clips that kept the upper part of her flimsy dress together. Only when he felt the fabric clinging loosely around the simple belt Mircea wore did Paris dare to pull back, just enough to catch a glimpse of the flesh he had just revealed.
The cool breeze blowing over her heated skin brought Mircea back to reality. When she opened her eyes, the sight before her made her shiver with an unknown feeling that rippled through her entire body and coiled in her lower tummy.
Paris’ eyes were fixed on her with a fire she had never seen in them. Mircea looked down at herself and a little cry left her lips when she saw that her breasts were bare to his eyes. She tried to cover them, but Paris grabbed her hands before she could do so and took them to his lips, kissing her knuckles. Gently prying her fingers open, Paris removed the necklace from her grip and swiftly slid it over her head, the thin golden chain surrounding the back of her neck and dipping between her breasts where the green pendant rested.
Paris smiled and placing a quick kiss on Mircea’s lips, he moved his fingers from the back of her neck and down her shoulders to finally pose them on her breasts, cupping those full mounds in his hands with a delighted moan. Mircea threw her head back, not knowing how to deal with the rampant feelings within her young body.
“Oh, Paris...” She moaned when he hid his face in the curve of her neck, gently nipping at the sensitive skin there.
“You are so beautiful.” Paris murmured as his hands kneaded her breasts, his long and nimble fingers playing with her hardening nipples. “And you are mine.”
Mircea couldn’t answer, for before she could open her mouth Paris’ lips covered hers in an intense kiss. Instinctively, Mircea’s hands looked for something to hold on to, finding balance in his dark curls. Her fingers slipped between his hair easily, allowing her to run her fingernails softly over his scalp. It caused a deep, long moan in Paris before he moved his lips to her neck, softly nibbling at the skin there.
“Touch me...” Paris ordered gently and Mircea obeyed, her hands leaving his brown hair and moving down his strong shoulders to his muscular chest.
Her hands were shy and sometimes clumsy in their journey, but they had the same effect on Paris the touch of the most experienced lover would. Her very innocence proved to be his undoing when her curious fingers moved below his waist and stumbled with the hardened proof of his arousal, causing her to gasp in his ear before Mircea moved her hand away startled.
“Paris!” Mircea exclaimed, her surprise evident in her tone. The prince took her face in her hands and looked into her hazel eyes before murmuring.
“I want to see you.”
Mircea didn’t understand the full meaning of his words until Paris stepped back just enough to look down at her. Blushing, Mircea tried to cover her naked breasts -now feeling heavy and swollen- with her hands, but Paris delicately grabbed her wrists and made her rest her hands at her sides once again.
Mircea took a deep breath trying to calm her erratic heart. Paris’ eyes never left her, moving from her face to her chest, making her breasts tingle in anticipation. She gasped in surprise when his hands slid around her waist to pull her close to him, but it was nothing compared to the bolt of electricity Mircea felt when Paris took one hard, red nipple in his mouth. Mircea’s eyes went wide at the hotness of him around the sensitive tip, but soon her lids dropped again by the pleasant feeling of his tongue swirling and lapping.
Paris showed both breasts the same attention and devotion, sending continuous jolts of pleasure down her body, pooling in her lower belly with an ache Mircea didn’t know how to fight. She couldn’t utter a single word when Paris’ nimble fingers untied her belt and her simple gown pooled at her feet, exposing her young body to his greedy eyes.
Paris swallowed hard when his eyes first rested on Mircea’s naked body, his own reacting with an intensity unknown to him up to that night. She was a vision of soft curves and enticing slopes all over; full breasts standing proud with tense, reddened nipples, a small waist he could almost circle with his hands and gently flared hips that gave way to long legs. Paris groaned at the sight. Pulling Mircea closer, he kissed her before he made her lay back on the sand.
Mircea looked up and saw Paris as he kneeled beside her, her body tingling there where his hands had touched her masterly. It was a hard task, but she kept her eyes fixed on him as he removed his clothing, studying curiously the flesh slowly unveiled to her.
Mircea was curious; she had never seen a naked man’s body before and what appeared before her eyes rendered her speechless. Hard muscles all over, broad shoulders that narrowed into thin hips, followed by strong thighs were enough to leave her breathless. Yet, it was what stood proudly between those thighs what intrigued her the most.
Paris growled lowly when Mircea’s wide and innocent hazel eyes rested on his manhood. With her eyes only, she had managed to make him grow harder... What would happen if she touched him?
Suddenly curious, Paris said under his breath.
“Touch me.”
Mircea looked up at him with a questioning look, but she still rose her hand, unsure as to what to do until Paris took it in his and then guided it to his body, grunting loudly when her fingers encircled him and gently squeezed him. Taking a deep breath, Paris led her movements until she found her own rhythm.
Mircea was curious and prone to experimenting and although he couldn’t say he disliked it, Paris had to pry her fingers open and lay beside her to regain some control of himself.
“You are so beautiful.” Paris murmured as his hand traced her body.
Mircea couldn’t answer. Her body was busy assimilating what Paris’ hand made her feel as it roamed her skin, but it was nothing compared to the moment when he gently parted her thighs, his fingers slipping between them.
Mircea’s pleased cry resounded in the small beach, echoing against the rock walls when Paris found her centre, stroking her flesh with expert fingers until he had her screaming his name, her body convulsing as he sent her over to paradise.
Mircea didn’t know how long it took her to regain her breath but when she finally did, she opened her eyes to find Paris above her, his eyes glowing with the certainty of a man who knows he has pleased a woman greatly. Mircea smiled lazily before a little gasp escaped from her lips when his hand found her sensitive core, stroking to embers into a burning desire once again.
“Oh, Paris...” Mircea murmured, noting vaguely that all coherency had left her as soon as the prince had kissed her.
“I need you, Mircea.” Paris said as he kissed her neck, his voice strained with desire. “I need you now.”
Mircea didn’t know what Paris needed so much, but she would never deny him anything. Offering him her mouth, she allowed Paris to part her thighs wider and lay between them, his hardness rubbing against her. Both moaned at the feeling, but Mircea tensed when she felt Paris prodding at her.
“Paris, what...” Mircea began to say with fear tinting her voice, but he took her face in his hands and kissed her until he felt her relax beneath him.
Then, Paris inched within her until he felt the barrier of her maidenhood. Deepening the kiss, Paris took her hands in his and gripping them tightly, he thrust forward. Mircea cried out in pain, but her scream was silenced by Paris’ mouth. She knew what was it that he had slid deeply inside of her and it made her writhe in pain, wondering why Paris would hurt her so.
But then, as he kissed her slowly, Mircea felt the pain ease away, replaced by a great need that burned in the pit of her stomach. Softly, almost shyly, Mircea pushed her hips against Paris’ and a low cry left their mouths at the feeling of him sliding into her a bit more.
Paris grunted, his body on fire. He hadn’t been sure whether he had hurt Mircea, but the moment she pushed against him it nearly made him trip over the edge. Leaving her mouth, Paris grasped Mircea’s hips and began a slow dance, moving in and out of her with torturing slowness. The softness around him was intoxicating, and the little cries and moans coming from Mircea’s lips only served to fuel him further.
Mircea gripped Paris’ shoulders, her nails lightly biting at the skin there. Her whole body tingled and all she could do was to cling to her lover’s body, hoping she wouldn’t drown in the spin of passion Paris caused in her. It was hard, for every time he thrust against her, not only did his hard member slid into her a bit more, but his hips hit her in that sensitive spot Paris had discovered earlier making her gasp for breath.
Suddenly, Mircea felt tension pooling in her loins and she could swear she would explode. Burying her nails in the prince’s skin, Mircea moaned.
“Paris... I need...” What did she need? Mircea only knew she would go crazy if he didn’t do something about it.
“I know, my love.” Paris answered, his need for release as intense as hers.
Moving his hands to her thighs, Paris lifted them and instinctively Mircea slid her legs around his waist, causing both to cry out when he entered in her completely.
Paris’ pace quickened, making Mircea cry out his name. He suddenly felt her tightening around him and he looked down at her, his brown eyes filled with passion and love. He wanted to see her as pleasure overtook her and Mircea didn’t disappoint him.
Mircea felt her body growing rigid and her eyes bolted open, looking for Paris’ in the dark, a questioning look in them. Yet, before she could speak, a great wave of pleasure washed over her and a loud cry left her lips as she desperately clung to Paris, this time sinking willingly in that abyss of sensations. In the pinnacle of her situations, Mircea felt Paris thrust into her on last time, a low growl leaving his throat before he hid his face in her neck.
Mircea didn’t know how long she and Paris lay there trying to calm their thundering hearts, but when she finally opened her eyes, Mircea saw the stars shining bright in the night sky, not a cloud breaking the harmony in that perfect sight. It felt as if the Gods above winked at them, giving her and her prince their approval.
As if sensing her emotions, Paris rose his head and resting his weight on his elbows, he looked down at the beautiful young woman beneath him with an adoring look.
“I love you, Mircea.” He murmured, his voice suddenly hoarse with emotion.
Brushing some rebel brown curls off of his forehead, Mircea smiled with love shining in her eyes.
“I love you too, Paris.” She said softly.
Paris felt his heart swell with her words. Kissing her lazily, he flipped them over until he lay on his back, her head resting on his shoulder. Taking her hand in his, Paris snuggled her closer, not wanting that night to end.
Chapter 5.
Mircea smiled dreamily, the dough she was preparing forgotten beneath her hands. If any of the other servants noticed the far away look in her eyes, they kept their mouths shut, but Mircea cared little about them. Her mind was miles away, thinking of the prince that now trained with his bow in the palace is courtyard.
A tingle ran up and down her body at the memory of the many nights they had shared in their secluded little bay, alone and away from everything. In that secret beach and under the light of the stars, they were no Prince or servant, they were just Paris and Mircea.
It was during those nights that they loved each other to no end, then playing in the sea as Paris taught Mircea how to swim. The lessons often ended up in nothing because Mircea wasn’t the most dedicated of students and Paris, even with his best intentions, got distracted from his lecturer duties when her soft body brushed against his.
They would spend long hours in their secret spot, sometimes lost in passion and other times just holding each other as they voiced their dreams, hopes and fears. That’s how Mircea had learned that Paris wished to see the shepherd that had raised him more than anything in the world and it touched her heart. Mircea knew that Paris had everything he could wish for, but he had never forgiven his family for leaving him to face destiny when he was no more than a baby, showing her that being rich and powerful didn’t mean to be happy. Even in their poverty, she and her father had known love and she wanted to give that to Paris.
“Mircea! Stop daydreaming, child... And get back to work!”
Mircea snapped back to reality when she heard Thera’s commanding voice. Nodding, she began to work on the dough again, unaware that Thera’s eyes were intent on her.
It had been hard to keep her feelings hidden from the older woman’s eyes, but it had been harder to skip out of the palace almost every night to meet Paris. Mircea had the feeling that Thera sensed something, especially since she kept trying to convince her to spend more time with Ulysses. Mircea grinned inwardly at the thought; since that first night at the beach with Paris, poor Ulysses had been nothing but a shadow in her mind.
Thera studied Mircea from a distance. She had certainly changed since arriving to the palace, but there had certainly been a breaking point about three months ago. Once or twice in that time had Thera gone to Mircea in the night only to find her gone, the other servants telling the older woman that the girl was out for a walk and it puzzled look. A thought kept nagging her, but Thera confined it to the back of her mind.
Staring at Mircea, Thera noticed some slight changes in her. The girl’s cheeks seemed fuller and brighter and her body seemed to have filled in some places like her chest and hips, but apart from that, Mircea looked just the same.
As she studied her, Thera saw Mircea take a hand to her eyes and rub them. Thera thought she might be sleepy, after all it was still very early, but when Mircea swayed precariously on her feet, Thera moved forward and quickly closed the gap between them just in time to catch her before she hit the floor.
“Demetrius!” Thera called out as she knelt with Mircea in her arms, a tall, strong man turning around at the sound of her voice. “Help me take her to Noor!”
Demetrius didn’t ask. He just moved his big body to where Thera was and gently took an unconscious Mircea in his arms.
~*~
Paris stood at the courtyard, bow in hand and a deadly arrow aimed at the crude form of a man filled with straw. It was early and the sun was just beginning to rise, but he hadn’t been able to go back to sleep when he woke up an hour ago. Taking his bow, Paris had made a quick stop at the kitchen with the excuse of taking some bread and cheese to the training field with him, but what he really wanted to see Mircea. She had only been able to give him a discreet smile, but that was enough to keep him up until he could see her that night.
Firing his arrow, it hit the centre of his target. Paris was about to retreat a new one from his quiver when he heard voices coming from behind.
Turning on his heels with a curious look, Paris saw Demetrius -the big slave that helped Thera with the heavier duties- carrying someone in his arms. At the sight of the long brown hair cascading over the man’s arm, Paris felt fear biting his heart, but it was only when Demetrius came closer that his fears were confirmed. It was Mircea.
Dropping his bow, Paris ran to Demetrius.
“What happened to her?” Paris asked, trying not to be obvious as to why he was so concerned about the young servant.
“She fainted, milord.” Thera answered worriedly. “We do not know why.”
Paris looked down at Mircea and his heart skipped a beat. Mircea was pale... very pale. Stepping between Demetrius and a curious servant, Paris took Mircea in his arms and swiftly walked to the small cabin in the opposite side of the courtyard. Noor would know what to do to heal Mircea.
Thera stood frozen in her spot, a surprised look in her eyes at the sight of the young prince carrying Mircea to the healer’s cabin. A suspicion gnawed at her insides, but she kept her thoughts to herself as she shooed the curious crowd back into the kitchen, not without giving the prince a quick look over her shoulder first.
~*~
Paris walked around the small cabin like a caged animal. Noor, the elderly healer, had literally pushed him out of her house, telling him that his nervousness was good for nothing. Now, as she checked on Mircea, Paris couldn’t help but torture himself with all the possibilities of what could be wrong with his love.
In spite of all that, he trusted Noor. She was a wise healer from the western lands that had saved many men’s lives; if she could save a badly wounded warrior’s life, she could certainly help Mircea!
Inside the cabin, Noor gave Mircea a knowing look as the young woman lay on the bed, soft animal furs beneath her. She had seen this countless times before and it was nothing out of the ordinary.
In the bed, Mircea groaned when she opened her eyes and the world swirled around her. She had never fainted in her life and it scared her. Looking up, she murmured.
“What is wrong with me? Am I dying?”
Noor chuckled at her question.
“My innocent child...” She murmured, brushing Mircea’s hair back. “You are not dying, not anytime soon.”
“Then what is it?” Mircea asked again. She was relieved that she was not going to pass away, but she was worried still.
Laboriously, Noor sat beside her, looking into Mircea’s eyes with her black ones.
“I will ask you something, but you have to tell me the truth.” Noor said and Mircea nodded. Taking a deep breath, the woman murmured. “Have you ever been with a man?”
It took a couple of seconds for the question to sink in and once it did, Mircea blushed furiously. Shyly, she nodded and Noor sighed.
“Do you remember when you last had your monthly period?”
Mircea blushed even redder, something she had never thought possible. Counting back in her head, she realised that the last time had been a couple of weeks before that night in the beach, three months ago. She hadn’t paid attention to its absence because it had happened before, especially during the roughest times when food had been more than scarce.
When she told Noor, the woman shook her head at her innocence. Taking Mircea’s hands in hers, Noor said lowly.
“You are with child, Mircea.”
Mircea’s eyes grew wide at her statement. She, with child? But she was not married! She thought it only happened to married women, how could that be possible?
“But... I am not married.” Mircea voiced her thoughts. Noor shook her head, briefly explaining her what the young girl was unaware of. Mircea remained silent for a while, letting the truth sink in.
“You better go tell the prince. He is out there waiting for you.” Noor whispered.
“How did you know...?” Mircea began to say and Noor smiled knowingly.
“He brought you here. The look of worry in his eyes was enough to tell me the truth.”
Mircea nodded, her mind still trying to assimilate the news as Noor gave her some useful advises for her pregnancy. Mircea sat there as Noor made some quick calculations, telling her that her baby would be born by the end of winter. Mircea nodded numbly, the world spinning around her. Noor noticed her confusion and took her face in her hands, looking into her eyes.
“Everything will be fine, child.” Noor whispered reassuringly. “You go tell the prince, I am sure he is mad with worry.”
Mircea nodded, standing up slowly and walking out of the cabin. She stepped out and saw Paris coming from one side, his eyes growing wide when he saw her. Rushing toward her, Paris took her in his arms, holding her tight.
“There you are!” Paris exclaimed in her ear, kissing her lips without caring who might see them. “I was so worried about you! Are you alright?”
Paris looked down at her and Mircea felt tears burning in her eyes. She loved him so much! What would he say when she told him what was wrong with her? Would he be happy?
“Mircea?” Paris murmured worriedly. “What did Noor say?”
Mircea cupped his cheek in her hand, trying to gather her courage to tell him the news. Taking a deep breath, Mircea whispered.
“I am with child. That is what Noor told me.”
“I thought it was serious, I was-“ Paris began to say but he cut himself mid-sentence when Mircea’s words filtered through to his brain. Her voice echoed in his mind, almost making him dizzy in its intensity. She was with child? Mircea carried his baby? The thought should make him deliriously happy, but instead, it send a wave of fear spiralling up and down his body.
Stiffening his body, Paris’ arms left her and he took a step back, running a nervous hand through his dark curls.
“With child?” Paris asked, his voice and eyed guarded.
Mircea felt one solitaire tear rolling down her cheek, her heart aching in her chest at his obvious rejection. Crossing her arms over her chest in a defensive way, Mircea spoke.
“So it would seem.” She murmured lowly, more tears falling from her eyes. “I did not know... Noor had to explain me...” Her voice trailed off and she took a hand to her mouth to silence her sobs. Giving his guarded brown eyes a long look, Mircea failed to hide a low whimper and then ran away.
“Mircea!” Paris called out, but Mircea didn’t stop. She ran into the palace and she went out of his sight.
Paris ran his hands over his face, the weight of what he had done falling on his shoulders. Mircea was pregnant and it was entirely his fault. She was an innocent; little more than a virgin he had corrupted to this point. Paris loved her with all his heart and he wished nothing more than to be with her all the time, but these were certainly unexpected news. His first impulse was to assure Mircea that everything would be fine, that he would be there for her, but Paris still had to stop and think the situation over.
Looking at the rising sun, Paris asked the Gods for help to solve this problem and walked back into the palace, trouble clouding his mind.